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Maxentius (sculptiure pictured) of the Western half of the Roman Empire co-ruled with Diocletian in the East as the empire was split in two.

The Western Roman Empire: 285 AD to 476 AD

Less than two centuries after the Roman Empire was split into East and West, the West fell.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Osman I leads his Ghazi troops into battle against the Byzantines in Anatolia (part of modern-day Turkey).

Ottoman Empire: 1299 AD to 1923

The Ottoman Turks ruled from the Middle Ages until after World War I. That is more than 6 centuries!

April 25, 2017 12:31

Front and back of the Narmer Palette, depicting Narmer, considered the first king of a unified Ancient Egypt.

Early Kingdoms Of Ancient Egypt

The rise of Narmer and the 1st and 2nd Dynasties, during what is known as the Early Period, saw the rise of a unified Egypt along the Nile as far south as Nubia.

April 25, 2017 12:31

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, in the necropolis at Saqqara in Egypt, where it still stands circa 4,675 years after its construction.

Old Kingdom Dynasties Of Ancient Egypt

The Old Kingdom period lasted from 2686 BC to 2181 BC. This age saw the 3rd through 6th Dynasties and the construction of their many architectural wonders.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Tomb inscription of Neferkhau in Heracleopolis from the First Intermediate Egyptian Kingdom, likely during the 10th Dynasty.

The First Intermediate Kingdom Dynasties Of Ancient Egypt

The 7th through 11th Dynasties of Egypt in the First Intermediate Period witnessed an abundance of civil strife and regional power plays.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Relief of 11th Dynasty Pharaoh Mentuhotep II, who commenced the Middle Kingdom Period and revived Pharaoh worship, from his burial temple at Deir el-Bahari.

The Middle Period Ancient Egyptian Kingdom Dynasties

The 11th through 14th Dynasties of the Middle Kingdom Period saw large scale centralization and infrastructural reforms throughout Ancient Egypt.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Sarcophagus of Wadjkheperre Kamose (pictured in the Museum of Cairo). Kamose helped expel the Hyksos invaders from the north out of Egypt.

The Second Intermediate Kingdom Of Ancient Egypt

This Egyptian historical period was characterized by foreign invaders and the rule of concurrent, rival dynasties.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Funeral slab depicting 18th Dynasty Pharaoh Amenhotep I standing across from his mother, Ahmose-Nefertari.

The New Kingdom Dynasties Of Ancient Egypt

The 18th through 20th Dynasties of Egypt in the New Kingdom Period saw the rise of great Egyptian prosperity, followed by an equally rapid downward spiral.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Relief of Shoshenq I, founder of the 22nd Dynasty, at the Temple at Shoshenq I, near ancient Thebes (modern day Luxor, Egypt).

The Third Intermediate Kingdom Of Ancient Egypt

Foreign rule from afar, and the rise of city-states from within, weakened centralized Egyptian rule during the Third Intermediate era.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Psamtek I (first Pharaoh of the Late Period and 26th Dynasty) worshiping Ra-Horakhty (a deity merging the gods Ra and Horus).

The Late (Persian) Kingdom Period Of Ancient Egypt

At times under Persian control, the 26th through 31st Dynasties were arguably Egypt's last hurrah before the encroachment of the Greeks and then Romans.

April 25, 2017 12:31

North Korea proves to be quite hostile to many visiting Americans.

American Civilians Arrested And Held By North Korea

These US civilian citizens have been detained by North Korea over the past 2 decades, and two still remain in custody.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Protests against ISIS in London, England. Editorial credit: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com.

What Is ISIS?

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is a terrorist organization trying to establish a theocratic reign over as much of the world as possible.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Aerial view of Whittier and its harbor, photo courtesy of whittieralaska.gov. Note the large residential building (Begich Towers) in the center-right of the image.

Have You Heard Of Whittier, Alaska, The City Under One Roof?

Almost all of the more than 200 residents of Whittier live in a single building.

April 25, 2017 12:31

George I (Georg Ludwig, Elector of Hanover) in his 50s, painted shortly after taking over the British throne.

Did You Know That King George I of Great Britain Was German?

The British monarch who ruled from 1714 to 1727 was born in what is now Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Ottoman Turks marching upon the Austrian Hapsburgs in 1788. Unfortunately for the Austrians, one of their biggest challenges came in the form of friendly fire!

Did The Austrian Army Defeat Itself In The 1788 Battle Of Karansebes?

With Austrians mistaking fellow Austrians as enemy Turks, the Ottomans had an easy victory (or at least that's what some accounts say)!

April 25, 2017 12:31

Flag of the Conch Republic in Key West, Florida. Motto: We Seceded Where Others Failed.

Did You Know That Key West, Florida Seceded From The U.S. In 1982?

Interestingly enough, they called themselves the "Conch Republic", in homage to the shells of sea snails found in the area.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Statue honoring Peter the Great, who preferred the title of "Emperor of all of Russia" over that of "Tsar".

Who Were Those Leaders Called Tsars?

A Czar (a.k.a. Tsar or Tzar) was a title used by several Slavic Empires through the ages, and has taken on new meanings in contemporary times.

April 25, 2017 12:31

Tenzin Gyatso, 14th and current Dalai Lama.

Who Are The Dalai Lamas Of Tibetan Buddhism?

This line of Tibetan Buddhists has been in power since the 14th Century, with the 14th and incumbent Dalai Lama currently living in exile.

April 25, 2017 12:31

What Is The Definition Of A Dynasty?

A dynasty is a series of ruling authorities with close ties, especially families. One dynasty still in existence today has a continuous line dating back to 660 BCE.

April 25, 2017 12:31